The Palomino Pony Wins Through by Olivia Tuffin Read Free Book Online Page B

brought Secret in to continue his handling lessons, she noticed that his head collar, hanging on the hook in the tack room, was done up. That was strange, Georgia always left the strap undone when she hung it up, no matter how many times Melanie reminded her to fasten it. No one else had caught Secret. And yet it was hung up soneatly, the lead rope coiled round in the way only experienced horsey people knew how to tie it.
    Shaking herself, Georgia pushed it to the back of her mind. Paranoia was running high in the yard, but there was no reason to suspect the Redgrove ponies were in any danger! Even so, safe in his stable, Secret kept looking curiously towards the barn doors leading to the internal stables, as if he expected someone to walk through at any minute. Despite the sunshine, and the spring birdsong, it suddenly felt as though a shadow had crossed the stables.
    Humming one of her favourite songs, Georgia scolded herself for being so stupid, concentrating instead on trying to teach Secret to lift a foot for a hoof pick by running her hand down his leg. Secret had been a little cheeky up to now, playfully pawing when Georgia tried to teach him, and occasionally just pretending he couldn’tunderstand or hear her. This time, however, he lifted the foot perfectly, and held it quietly in place for her.
    Georgia frowned. “Clever boy,” she said to the little colt, who gazed at her, blinking slowly. “It’s almost as if someone taught you to do that…”

    Knocking on Dan’s front door later that evening, Georgia hopped from foot to foot as she waited for him to answer. She had finished earlier than normal so she had texted him on her way home to see if he was free, but he hadn’t replied.
    Eventually Ben answered the door, looking smart in a red jumper, jeans and loafers.
    “Oh, hi, Georgia,” he said. “Looking for my bro? I’m afraid he’s out. Didn’t he let you know?”
    “Um, no.” Georgia fumbled for her phone. No message. “Is he going to be long?” she asked.
    “I dunno.” Ben shrugged. “Some party. Someonefrom your year. Becky, is it?”
    Georgia shook her head. She hadn’t heard of any party. She felt a lump rising in her throat.
    “OK,” she said, trying not to sound upset. “Tell him I called by, will you?”
    “Sure. See you, Georgia,” Ben said, closing the door. Dejectedly, Georgia picked up her bike and headed for Emma’s house.
    It didn’t take long to cycle there. Georgia propped up her bike and knocked on the front door.
    “Hey, Gee!” Emma looked gorgeous in a sequinned miniskirt and vest, her hair piled up on her head.
    Georgia smiled. “Hey, Em. You’re a bit dressed up for a Thursday evening!”
    Emma looked confused. “Yeah, I’m off to Becky’s party. Aren’t you coming? The whole year will be there—” Emma suddenly stopped in her tracks,catching sight of the expression on her friend’s face. Trying not to be upset, Georgia looked down at her yard boots and jodhs flecked with shavings. “Um, no,” she said. “I didn’t know anything about it.”
    “You mean Dan didn’t tell you? He was going to— Oh…” Emma suddenly looked guilty.
    “It’s all right, Em.” Georgia suddenly felt shattered. “I’ve been so busy at the yard, I haven’t really seen him. He probably just forgot.”
    “Then come with me?” Emma cocked her head to one side as Georgia smiled wearily.
    “I think I’ll leave it, Em,” said Georgia. “I feel like I need an early night. You go on though.”
    “Are you sure?” Em looked at her friend with concern.
    “Completely sure. Have fun!” Georgia said, turning away quickly so that Emma wouldn’t see the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes.
    Feeling hurt and confused, she jumped on her bike and headed home. Then, once she had grabbed something to eat, Georgia went up to her room. She put on her PJs and climbed into bed. She was exhausted, but instead of crashing out she ended up lying awake, thinking. She